The UK Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) has released its first set of regional geological maps and datasets that cover the Central North Sea and Moray Firth, under a three-year contract with Lloyd's Register (LR).
The maps are offered as an integrated geographic information system (GIS) project and layered PDFs, enabling users to display them in several ways.
They can also be integrated within the user’s own projects to assist oil and gas operators in exploration campaigns.
LR senior geologist Henk Kombrink said: “These maps will be of great benefit to companies seeking to apply for exploration licences in the upcoming 30th Licensing Round.
“There are about 100 maps available, varying from depth and thickness grids to well penetration maps and depositional facies maps.”
The datapack includes lithological information for more than 350 wells and hydrocarbon information, along with data on well tops for 1,300 quality controlled wells.
OGA will gradually release maps and datasets for the remaining area of UK Continental Shelf, while statistics about the Southern North Sea are expected later this year.
OGA principal regional geologist Jo Bagguley said: "This work forms an important part of our strategy to revitalise UKCS oil and gas exploration.
"The delivery of this first set of regional geological maps is a key milestone in our plans to deliver a consistent set of geological maps for the whole of the UKCS."
OGA appointed LR as a supplier for regional exploration maps and regional and field support engineering services bids for the UKCS last year.
